Vietnam Today

Vietnam to host 38th ASEAN Tourism Forum in January

Released at: 16:31, 24/12/2018

Photo: Ha Pham

Ha Long Bay the venue for ATF 2019, with 1,500 delegates attending.

by Jessica Nguyen

To take place in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ha Long Bay from January 14 to 19, the 38th ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF 2019) is set to make a lasting impression on its 1,500 delegates. They comprise representatives from ministries, national tourist organizations, and others, as well as TRAVEX suppliers from across all ten ASEAN member states, international buyers, and the media.

The three-day event will have 75 official sessions, with the host country Vietnam organizing a program packed with numerous social activities, including Pre-and Post-Show Tours, an Opening Ceremony, a Welcome Reception and Dinner, a Friendly Golf Game, and a Farewell Party for all ATF delegates.

A side event of ATF 2019, ATF TRAVEX, the largest and most diverse showcase of ASEAN suppliers, will witness ASEAN travel trade industry exhibitors from Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam connecting with host buyers and media representatives from around the world.

Major highlights for exhibitors and buyers include 32 one-to-one business appointments, all of which can be scheduled prior to arriving in Ha Long, thus optimizing business conversations at the event. Moreover, the on-site Buyers-Meet-Sellers (BMS) event on the first day of TRAVEX provides an opportunity to fill any remaining slots.

“I have made valuable connections all over ASEAN but I am looking to make new ones and explore fresh ideas, attractions, and activities by experiencing Vietnam first-hand at ATF 2019,” said buyer Agata Goscinska, CEO of Viventum s.c. Poland.

Yen Tu Mountain in Ninh Binh province

Another anticipated component of ATF is the ASEAN Tourism Conference, where major regional issues will be presented and discussed by subject experts and thought leaders. In keeping with the aim of strengthening cooperation among the ASEAN tourism industry’s various sectors, this knowledge platform promotes discussion, exchange of ideas, and valuable perspectives to motivate progress among ASEAN stakeholders.

It is also the aim of the host country Vietnam that, through its hospitality and infrastructure standards, it will successfully demonstrate its capabilities and be recognized as one of ASEAN’s most attractive destinations, complete with world-class facilities and services.

In that vein, Vietnam will spare no cost in giving all delegates a generous opportunity to experience Ha Long Bay, Quang Ninh province, and other gems, with a total of 15 pre- and post-ATF tours held over four days. Itineraries include cruises on Ha Long Bay and Lan Ha Bay and to Hai Phong city, as well as trips to Yen Tu Mountain and Ninh Binh province, south of Hanoi.